1tbspgf explorers burger sauce, see recipe in blog post
Kosher salt and pepper
The Process
Mise en Place
Find the Burger Sauce recipe at the bottom of the Patty Melt post.
Slice the onions.
Caramelize the Onions
Set the heat at medium-high and add 1 tablespoon of Earth Balance and when that melts, add 1 tablespoon of sunflower oil to the pan. Once the pan and oil are hot the onions. Season lightly with kosher salt and pepper.
Once the onions begin to soften and become translucent, lower the heat slightly and keep cooking. The caramelization process will take about 30-45 minutes. During this time, mix the onions frequently. You will start to see them changing color as they cook. You will also see moisture in the pan as the cooking process releases the moisture from the onions. If the pan becomes dry, which it will about halfway to two-thirds into the process, add a small amount of water to the pan to prevent burning and sticking. About one-half cup at a time. Keep stirring, cooking, and adding water if needed until the onions reach a deep, caramel color.
Prepare the Beef
Add beef to a medium-sized bowl and add 1/2 teaspoon of Umami powder and mix together gently with your hands. Divide beef into six uniform-sized balls, about 2-3 ounces each.
On the Grill
Heat your griddle. While it is heating, add a pinch of garlic salt to the butter and mix together. Spread the button on each side of the bread and place the bread on the griddle to toast. Cook until you achieve your desired doneness. Remove the bread from the griddle.
Add all six balls of meat to the griddle and season with kosher salt and pepper on one side. Cook for 30 seconds and then turn the balls over.
Using a smasher (see equipment) and a stainless steel spatula, smash the burgers as thin as you can. Slather each patty with a thin coat of yellow mustard.
Cook the patties until they are crispy on the edges and juices form on top, 2-3 minutes. Turn the patties over and place a slice of cheese on each patty and cook for another 2-3 minutes until cheese is nicely melted.
Assemble the Burgers
Put a good amount of Burger Sauce on each slice of bread. Stack your patties (2) on each other and put them on the bread. Place a generious amount of caramelized onions on top of the patties and topo with your other piece of bread.